SlipstreamJobsFresh Startup & VC-Backed Jobs

Engineering Manager, Air Vehicle Mechanical Systems (R5391)

Shield AI - San Diego, CA, USA - In-office - posted 2026-08-18

Apply on the company site

SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company developing autonomous systems, UAVs, and simulation technologies to support military and civilian operations globally. The company is seeking an Engineering Manager for Mechanical Design to lead a team developing mechanical systems for next-generation autonomous UAV platforms. In this high-ownership, high-visibility role, you will manage a team of mechanical engineers responsible for designing and developing mechanical systems that support Shield AI's next-generation aircraft programs. You will work in a deputy capacity to the Director of Engineering, collaborating across multiple engineering sites and technical teams. Key responsibilities include: - Leading and mentoring a team of mechanical design engineers - Setting technical standards and demonstrating excellence through hands-on guidance - Supporting cross-site collaboration and alignment among technical leaders - Creating mentorship opportunities for junior engineers - Assisting in resource leveling across vehicle programs and platforms - Contributing to the development of autonomous UAV mechanical architectures This role offers the opportunity to shape the mechanical design direction of cutting-edge autonomous aircraft while building and developing a high-performing engineering team. You will have direct impact on products that support operations worldwide and work with advanced technologies in autonomous systems and aerospace engineering.

Similar roles